Putin's potential intervention in Syria raises fears of new refugee crisis in Europe

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow as Islamist rebels have taken control of Damascus. This shift in power raises concerns about a potential new refugee crisis if Russia intervenes again in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously supported Assad's regime through military action. With Assad's departure, fears grow that renewed conflict could lead to mass displacement of Syrians seeking safety in Europe. Currently, around 12 million Syrians are displaced, with 5 million registered as refugees. The UN warns that further military escalation could worsen the situation and increase civilian casualties.